Autoimmunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To systematically review and meta-analyze the available evidence on the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, and the development of new autoimmune conditions (AIC).

METHODS

This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched until December 31, 2024, for studies reporting new-onset autoimmunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Meta-analyses using random-effects models calculated pooled odds ratios using RStudio 4.3.

RESULTS

Of the 2544 records identified, 39 studies were included in the systematic review, and 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant association was found between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new AIC (p = 0.0054) and particularly type 1 diabetes (p = 0.0229), blistering diseases (p = 0.0452), systemic sclerosis (p = 0.0153), and vitiligo (p = 0.0122). Regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced autoimmunity, no association between COVID-19 vaccines and new AIC was observed.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection may strongly induce autoimmunity.